Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak: No regrets over symbol supporting Ukraine invasion

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak says he has no regrets over wearing a symbol in support of the invasion of Ukraine on the podium following a World Cup event in Doha on Saturday.

Kuliak attached a letter ‘Z’ to his chest before receiving his bronze medal in the parallel bars, an event won by Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun. The letter has been seen daubed on the sides of Russian tanks and has come to be regarded as a sign of support for the invasion.

The 20-year-old’s move was condemned as “shocking behaviour” by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), which has asked its Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to launch an investigation.

But Kuliak, who faces the prospect of a lengthy ban, was unrepentant on Tuesday, telling Russia Today: “If there was a second chance and I had a choice whether to go out with the letter ‘Z’ on my chest or not, I would do the same.

“I saw it on our military and looked at what this symbol means. It turned out to be ‘for victory’ and ‘for peace’. I just wanted to show my position. As an athlete, I will always fight for victory and play for peace.”

Prior to the event in Doha, the FIG had announced that all Russian gymnasts and officials would be banned from international events from March 7 until further notice, in line with global sporting sanctions against the country.

Meanwhile, tennis’ governing bodies have united to create the ‘Tennis Plays for Peace’ campaign.

The ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation and the four grand slams have each donated 100,000 US dollars (just over £75,000) to humanitarian efforts through Global Giving’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund and the Ukraine Tennis Federation.

The Wimbledon Foundation has also made donations to the British Red Cross and the Disaster Emergency Committee.

Ribbons in the colours of the Ukraine flag will be distributed to players at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which begins on Wednesday.

Ukrainian number one Elina Svitolina and recently-retired player Sergiy Stakhovsky, who has returned to Ukraine to join the reserve army, have also produced a short video with a message of hope for their country.